We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charlene Morin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charlene, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I don’t believe that purpose is something we find; rather, guided by faith and spirituality, it is something that is awakened within us. My faith in God and my relationship with Him have taught me that through understanding His word, He reveals and awakens the purpose already embedded within us.
Every action we take in life is imbued with reason. We face various life challenges, trials, and tribulations for reasons beyond our immediate comprehension. and these obstacles often play a significant role in shaping our purpose. I believe that these challenges serve a greater good, placing us in positions where our experiences and sufferings enable us to assist others. Each experience, whether joyous or painful, contributes to the greater picture of our life’s purpose and reason. This process completes a full circle of purpose and meaning.
From a young age, watching shows like Judge Judy and Law and Order with my grandmother sparked a passion within for the criminal justice field. Despite not fully understanding it then, I was captivated and felt a divine pull towards this path.
Twenty-five years later, my purpose has come full circle as I now lead AhavahDARE a nonprofit that provides services and resources to formerly convicted felons, helping them reintegrate into society and seize opportunities for a second chance. This work aligns with my belief that our hardships and negative outcomes equip us to better serve and support others, fulfilling a divine and meaningful role in the world.
My journey underscores the belief that our hardships and experiences equip us to better serve others, ultimately fulfilling a divine purpose.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am the owner of AhavahDARE Resolution Services where I serve as a Family Mediator and Legal Document Admin processor (LDA) here in Lauderhill Florida.
I serve on the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Reentry Resource Council.
I have also been blessed to serve my community as the leader of AhavahDARE Affairs Inc Dba. (AhavahDARE)- Love Beyond Bars is a 501(c)3 Tax exempt non-profit organization founded in June 2018 and incorporated June 28, 2021, aiming to provide lifetime resources to reduce recidivism by breaking the cycle and become positive contributors to society, empowering black and brown men in the community to become upright citizens. Established as a safe space, AhavahDARE offers a supportive environment for men seeking redemption, allowing them to re-ground themselves and rebuild their lives ultimately benefiting not only the individuals but also their families and communities.
We are dedicated to providing lifetime service and resources to men who are truly seeking to regain their position in society after incarceration. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, our mission is to empower these individuals through comprehensive support and community integration.
We provide access to essential life necessities, including aid in searching for housing, employment opportunities, education, and mental health support. Our holistic approach addresses the various challenges faced by formerly incarcerated men, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to successfully navigate and overcome life’s obstacles.
November 2024.
We invite all the men in our community to participate in the upcoming MensPOWERment forum (Men Only). This is a great opportunity for us to come together, support each other, and engage in meaningful conversations while enjoying food and drinks.
June 2025.
Evolution of Men: Second Chances Fashion is our inaugural clothes drive and fashion show event. It is designed to empower and honor men who have overcome their past and have emerged as pillars of our community today.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my development, three impactful qualities or areas of knowledge have been: Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The ability to continually learn and adapt to new information and changing circumstances has been crucial. This involves staying updated with the latest information pertaining to your field of interest and or path. My advice: Develop a habit of lifelong learning. Follow the industry that minds you, stay present. Stay active whether you take online courses, attend webinars, or participate in forums. Stay curious and open to new ideas and technologies.
Second, Collaboration and Communication Skills: Effective communication and collaboration have been vital for integrating feedback, understanding user needs, and working with multidisciplinary teams to improve functionality. My advice: Hone your communication skills by engaging in group projects, presenting your work, and soliciting feedback. Practice active listening and empathy to better understand different perspectives. Collaborations and partnerships make the dream work.
Third, I would say, Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Grace with yourself while tackling complex problems with creative solutions and rigorous analysis has been fundamental to my growth. This involves breaking down problems, identifying patterns, and devising efficient solutions. My advice: Sharpen your problem-solving skills by working on diverse projects that challenge you to think critically. Engage in activities that require analytical thinking, such as local challenges big or small in your atmosphere. Learning how to break down problems into smaller, manageable parts is also key.
For those early in their journey, here are some steps to develop these qualities: Embrace Lifelong Learning: Make learning a regular part of your routine; Engage in Communities: Join online communities or local groups related to your field. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your knowledge; Seek Feedback and Mentorship: Find mentors who can guide you and provide constructive feedback on your work. Don’t be afraid to seek out advice and learn from those who have more experience; last, I would say Work on Real-World Projects: Apply your skills to real-world problems through internships, volunteer work, or personal projects. Practical experience is invaluable and will help you develop a portfolio that showcases your abilities. By focusing on these areas, you can build a strong foundation for your career and continually grow and adapt in your chosen field.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am actively seeking collaboration with individuals and organizations who are passionate about addressing recidivism and supporting formerly incarcerated men as they reintegrate into society. Our mission focuses on showing #Lovebeyondbars and emphasizing the importance of second chances.
Ideal Collaborators:
1. Nonprofit Organizations: Other nonprofits working on criminal justice reform, reentry programs, mental health support, job training, and educational opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.
2. Community Leaders and Activists: Individuals who have a strong presence and influence within the community and can help amplify the cause.
3. Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: People with lived experience who can share their stories, provide insights, and help shape effective programs and outreach strategies.
4. Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities that can offer resources, research partnerships, or educational programs tailored to reentry and rehabilitation.
5.Local Businesses and Employers: Companies willing to provide job opportunities, training programs, and support for men reentering society after incarceration.
6.Media and Influencers: Journalists, bloggers, and social media influencers who can help spread the message and raise awareness through various platforms.
If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, you can reach out through the following channels:
Email: [email protected]/ [email protected]
Website: www.ahavahdare.org
Social Media: Ahavahdare.inc (Instagram)
By working together, we can create impactful programs and significantly raise awareness about the importance of supporting and giving chances to formerly incarcerated men.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ahavahdare.org
- Instagram: @ahavahdare.inc
- Facebook: Charlene Morin
- Linkedin: Charlene Morin
Image Credits
@KeyFootage Photography Studios
@TrendingWithYolee
@Myrthoj Productions
@customersfirstgraphics1
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